Master-Studiengang International Security Studies (M.A.)

General Information

Program Structure

The program's curriculum is designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in contemporary security studies from both theoretical and policy perspectives. To ensure continued relevance in a rapidly evolving security environment, the curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current developments and emerging challenges in the field.

Thanks to the program's modular structure, the sequence in which students complete the required coursework is not predetermined.

Students usually start with the introductory module “Theories and Methods”, which covers the structures and processes behind international security policy. A particular focus of this module is also on consolidating the methods (analysis, writing, presenting) required for the program.

In the course of the module “Transnational and International Conflict”, students delve deeper into security and conflict studies and learn to understand and analyze historical and current international conflicts by extending their methodological understanding of sociological, political, and historical approaches.

The common curriculum also includes the “International Humanitarian Law” course, which provides students with a thorough understanding of international treaties and agreements. Students will learn to deal with aspects of jus ad bellum as well as jus in bello and assess the relationships between international law and politics.

UniBw Elective

Students have to attend one out of two electives.

• “Transnational Governance” focuses on the effects of globalization on the governance-capacity of international organization and the role of the state in the international system

• “Security and Development” examines the nexus of security and development in post-conflict settings

GCMC Study Concentration

Students have the chance to specialize in a specific area of security studies by choosing a study concentration. For this purpose, different Marshall Center residents programs are offered in an evolving, regularly updated curriculum:

• GCMC Study Concntration

Master Thesis

The program concludes with a 15,000 word Master Thesis.

Teaching and Learning Style

The Master of Arts Program in International Security Studies is structured in separate modules. Modules last between 1 and eight weeks and either end with a 5000 word research paper or an oral examination. Classes during modules normally take place from Monday to Friday. In the time between modules students do not have to be present at the Marshall Center as this time is reserved for self-study (research paper, preparation for examinations).

This study structure has the advantage that part-time students do not have to be present over a long period of time for weekly classes, which makes the course accessible for student from abroad who can fly in and out for single modules. During their time off-campus students keep full access to resources and library databases via the e-learning platforms ILIAS and Globalnet, as well as the extensive online catalogue of the UniBw library.

Teaching is conducted in small seminar groups of only around 15 students. This gives our professors the chance to actively involve the students in the seminars and enables a close supervision.

The whole program has an overall workload of 60 ECTS credit points and is separated in modules of 5 up to 9 credit points each, which corresponds to 150 up to 270 working hours (presence time and self-study).

Modular Studies

The modular structure of the program allows to attend single modules without having to finish the whole master program. Successful participants receive an official transcript from the Universität der Bundeswehr München in the amount of the respective ECTS credit points of the module. The obtained credit points can be applied towards degrees at other universities or if a student has attended and passed all modules under this scheme, he can be awarded with a master’s degree in International Security Studies from the Universität der Bundeswehr München if he also prepares a master thesis that meets the academic standards of the program.

Application and Contacts

Application information can be found at the bottom of the page in our download section.

FAQ

I only hold a three-year bachelor’s degree. Am I eligible?

Probably not. The program only considers applicants with a degree corresponding to four years of studies or an equivalent of 240 ECTS credit points. Applicants with at least 210 ECTS and at least 8 years of experience in the government or security sector may be eligible.

Can professional experience be accepted in lieu of a first academic degree?

No. Professional Experience can only be accepted to an extent of 30 ECTS credit points.

We offer a study program with the University of Plymouth, allowing students to join if they have substantial professional experience.

MA Applied Strategy and International Security

I do not possess an academic degree, but am a graduate of a military or service academy. Can I be considered for the program?

Yes, if your academy meets higher education standards. Please contact the program administration to find out whether your academy is considerable.

I have already completed a program at the Marshall Center or elsewhere. Can this previous coursework be recognized?

Comparable coursework completed at other institutions can be considered for MISS. The tuition will be reduced by the appropriate amount.

Do you offer courses online?

No. Our program is designed to be delivered in person. Face-to-face interaction and the opportunity to build a lasting professional network are core to the learning experience. To minimize travel and time away from work, we schedule modules in concentrated blocks wherever possible.

Do you offer scholarships?

Unfortunately we do not offer scholarships or financial assistance. The website of the German Academic Exchange Service offers a good overview of available scholarships for studies in Germany: www.daad.de

Can the program be completed part-time?

Yes, the program is modularized and single modules can be taken individually.

I don’t want to undergo vetting through German and US authorities. Can I take part in the program?

No, successful vetting through German and US authorities is mandatory.

Program Features

• Policy-orientated program on a high academic level

The combination of the  more theory-focused UniBwM modules with the more policy-oriented GCMC programs and seminars provides for unique insights on issues from both perspectives.

• Specialization in one field of international security studies

Specialization in one field of security studies is a key feature of MISS. The modular composition of the program offers a broad variety of options and encourages specialization and the development of special expertise.

• Seminar-based, active learning model

A special feature of this program is the inclusion of the professional experience of its participants as an important contribution. The methodology of the program therefore relies heavily on seminar discussions, debates, panels and role-play exercises, in which students can profit from their different professional and national backgrounds.

• Intensive networking

Through their study with Marshall Center course participants, but also through the Marshall Center and Universität der Bundeswehr München Alumni associations, participants gain a great opportunity to get in contact with security professionals in their country, region and area of interest.

• International faculty of academics and professionals

The cooperation of both institutions brings together more than 40 international experts and therefore offers an almost incomparably broad faculty, which is amended by selected other international professors. Apart from traditional academics, Marshall Center professors are hereby often senior practitioners with decades of professional expertise in their subject area.

• Distinguished guest speakers

Due to its reputation as a highly respected German‐American government institution, the Marshall Center programs also often feature prominent guest speakers, which have included e.g. SACEUR, COMISAF, ASDs, DASDs, Deputy Ministers and Ambassadors. According to Marshall Center tradition, these speakers also attend subsequent seminars and give participants an opportunity to discuss issues face to face.

Career

The program offers young and mid-level professionals a post-graduate academic training in security studies that will enhance their understanding of global affairs and security challenges. Theory-loaded seminars are combined with policy-orientated courses to teach you how academic research can be useful in practice.

A master’s degree in International Security Studies qualifies you for various positions in the very diverse and complex field of international security. Students typically go to work in these sectors:

• Government and Intelligence Agencies

• International Governmental Organization

• Non-Governmental Organizations

• Private companies with a link to the security sector

• Critical Infrastructure entities

Target Audience

The MA program in international security studies is aimed at practitioners from all sectors of the security community

• Officers at the end of their fixed term service (up to two years before discharge)

• Serving officers as part of their advanced training (typically OF-2 to OF-4)

• Civil servants in an early or mid-level of their career (Ministries, Police, Government Agencies)

• Civilians with relevant work experience in the security sector

Six Good Reasons to Apply for the MA International Security Studies

1. Join a policy-orientated program on a high academic level

2. Profit from an international faculty of academics and practitioners with decades of professional expertise

3. The small class size of around 15 students gives every student the chance to actively participate

4. Study at the campus of an international security and defense studies institute alongside government officials from 110 countries

5. The vast alumni network gives you the opportunity to get in contact with security professionals in your country, region and area of interest

6. Enjoy the unspoilt nature of Germany’s number one location for winter and alpine sports

GCMC Alumni

Alumni of most Marshall Center resident programs are likely to have already completed substantial parts of the M.A. International Security Studies:

• Alumni of the "PASS" have already completed 18 of the program's total 60 ECTS credit points. 
• Alumni of other GCMC resident courses (SRS, STACS, PTSS, PCSS, SCWMD/T, CNIT, SSCB, SSTaR) have already completed five of the program's total 60 ECTS points. 

GCMC alumni still have to complete the required examinations for the MISS program in order to receive academic credit points. A tuition fee discount is offered for previously completed GCMC resident programs. Please contact the program coordinator to find out which discounts apply to you.